Ohio State football has secured its position as the top-ranked team in the nation according to the latest AP Top 25 rankings. The Buckeyes, who have maintained this status for the past 13 weeks, are heading into their highly anticipated rivalry game against Michigan as the clear favorite. Meanwhile, Michigan ranks 15th in the poll and is gearing up for its most significant match of the season.
Ohio State has achieved an impressive record of 11 straight wins this season, culminating in a decisive victory over Rutgers on Saturday. The Buckeyes are poised not only to dominate in the upcoming game but are also expected to hold the top spot in the College Football Playoff rankings released on Tuesday. Their success this season positions them well for a spot in the playoff, regardless of the outcome against Michigan.
Michigan Looks to Secure Playoff Spot
In contrast, Michigan enters the final week of the regular season with a record of 9-2 and a 7-1 standing in the Big Ten. The Wolverines find themselves in a precarious situation, needing a victory to improve their chances for the 12-team College Football Playoff. Michigan has been on a winning streak, securing five consecutive victories, with their latest triumph being a commanding 45-20 win against Maryland on Saturday.
As the rivalry week unfolds, the stakes are particularly high for both teams. Ohio State’s strong performance throughout the season has established them as a formidable opponent, while Michigan must leverage its recent successes to vie for a playoff berth. The upcoming game not only holds implications for playoff positioning but also for bragging rights in one of college football’s most storied rivalries.
Current AP Top 25 Rankings
The following is a summary of the AP Top 25 rankings ahead of rivalry week:
1. Ohio State (58 first-place votes)
2. Indiana (7)
3. Texas A&M (1)
4. Georgia
5. Oregon
6. Ole Miss
7. Texas Tech
8. Oklahoma
9. Notre Dame
10. Alabama
11. BYU
12. Vanderbilt
13. Miami
14. Utah
15. Michigan
16. Texas
17. Virginia
18. Tennessee
19. Southern Cal
20. James Madison
21. North Texas
22. Tulane
23. Georgia Tech
24. Pittsburgh
25. Southern Methodist
As the rivalry game approaches on November 25, 2023, fans and analysts alike are eagerly anticipating a clash that promises to be both thrilling and pivotal for the postseason landscape. Ohio State’s dominance will be tested against a desperate Michigan team seeking redemption and a pathway to the College Football Playoff.
